Saturday, August 31, 2013

Today may be the last day of August, and while summer is almost over, you sure can't tell by the hot, muggy weather we've been having here! The Sibe kids' pool has once again been filled...and they have some new, cool Kong toys to play with, thanks to our friends Holly and the Huskies! These toys have been such a hit, both in and out of the pool! Many "thank wooos" to Holly, Nala, Ariel, Boo, Timber, and Chip for such a wonderful summertime surprise!!! Holly is new to blogging, so if you could stop by and give her a nice Bloggerville "welcome" and check out her beautiful Siberian Huskies, that would be great! Be sure to tell her FiveSibes sent you over! We hope everyone is enjoying the nice long Labor Day weekend!

Monday, August 26, 2013

We think it's Dog Day here everyday! But, the Sibes are happy to have it be a canine "holiday"! Did you do anything special to celebrate? The FiveSibes slept most of the day as it has been pouring rain here...but they did get some yummy treats, too! What better way to spend a holiday than eating and relaxing?

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Today,
Bandit accompanied me on a visit to see my 92-year-young mother. An animal parent and lover her whole life, she really enjoys visits with one of my FiveSibes! I've been working
with Bandit (who is almost completely deaf) on communicating with hand
signals and positive reinforcement to help prepare her for eventual classes. I hope to work with her so one
day she can become a therapy dog. With her energy level, a job is something that would be really good for her. And she is such a contrast - super hyper, super patient, and super loving! Watching her with my Mom, who is crippled from severe arthritis, is so
amazing. She is calm and so gentle, offering Mom periodic
kisses! Such a wonderful visit indeed! It's only been a few years that Mom can no longer
have one living with her, and she truly misses it. I love how her face
lightens up when I come for a visit with usually either Bandit or Wolf.
Bandit even spent a little time people watching through Hu-Nanny's front door,
which she enjoyed!On
the way home, I drove through the drive-in and picked my girl up a
cup of vanilla ice cream as a special treat. Then, we went home and
shared the rest with the rest of her Sibe family!

Friday, August 23, 2013

Grab our badge and join in! Share your blog, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram #FlashbackFriday photo and mention the FiveSibes™ with a link back to here and leave us comment so we can come visit your Flashback, too! To catch up on past Flashback Fridays, visit us here:

Saturday, August 17, 2013

So many times we are infuriated when we hear stories about furbabies being abandoned and dumped off at shelters because families can no longer care for them or decide they no longer fit into their lives. We say, "Why didn't they reach out?" "Why didn't they ask for help?" "Why would someone do that?" "I would have helped if I knew." Our furbabies are our children. They are our responsibility through thick and thin, sickness and health, richer or poorer. They give us complete love and devotion with expecting nothing in return. We owe them love and care...forever.

complex - although pet-friendly, it has just been broken into, for the third time. This time, some of the Sibe Tribe dogs got out as a result. Fortunately, they have all been found and returned safely. But the risk of this happening again, their guardian tells me, is all too real for them. And the thought of the Huskies - especially ones with special needs, is just too scary to think about. But we must think about it.

Then there's a health problem. The Huskies came back home and were ill. Apparently, while they were running about, they got into a pond and area where they were able to ingest stuff, including goose droppings that is prominent in that area, which their vet believes is what caused them to become ill. And there is also a mold issue in the home. "We need to move to a safer and healthier environment," the Sibe Tribe's hu-mom, Mary, states.

The Virginia Beach Sibe Tribe taking a nap!*

Mary, whose income has scaled back dramatically for the summer, is an avid animal lover and rescuer. She is also a civilian musician for the United States Navy, which sometimes takes her away from her apartment for short periods of time. But now, in lieu of the break-ins, she doesn't want to be away from her Huskies and risk their getting out, getting lost, sick, or worse. The dogs mean the world to her, and three of them are special needs canines. She just recently adopted an Epi-dog, a canine epileptic, who she is determined to help and give a good life to and is in the midst of working with a vet for proper medical care to control the seizures. Another Husky has cataracts, and a third has spinal abnormalities. But the Virginia Beach Sibe Tribe does not need to worry about ever being rehomed or dropped off at a shelter because this special lady, their hu-mom and guardian, says she will sleep in her car with her furbabies if need be as giving them up is not an option. Bravo! I say. It's not easy when hard times come a calling to continue the same special care for our pets, especially if they have medical issues, but as pet parents and guardians, isn't it our responsibility to care for them...no matter what?

Luka of the Virginia Beach Sibe Tribe waiting to move with family into a safer home.*

"I just need help getting over this little bump in the road," she tells me via a telephone conversation earlier this evening. By October, Mary hopes to be back on her feet financially (her hours were cut back for the summer). And to hopefully get moving now, Mary has started a YouCaring.com Virginia Beach Sibe Tribe fundraiser to help her achieve her goal of raising $5,000 to aide in funding the move to a safe house she found, one that includes space for the dogs that is also within walking distance to the beach so she can take them on exercises. The neighborhood is safe. There is no mold. There is a yard. There is a full basement level "where it will be cool for the dogs" in the Virginia heat. Money from the fundraiser will also help her to purchase the much-needed medications and food for the rescue Huskies. And...folks in Pennsylvania are waiting on her to possibly rescue another that is waiting for a home. "I know in a few months I will be stable enough once again," she states. "I so appreciate any help...even if say 600 people just donated $5 each, that would get me almost there. I just want to have a safe and healthy home for my dogs and myself so I can properly care and provide for them and continue rescuing other Huskies in need. I just need to get over this hump of a few months, and hopefully be able to move into the house, and then we should be smoother sailing."

Recently rescued Epi-Husky and newest Sibe Tribe member, Herik.*

We all have hit "bumps" in the road at one time or another in our lives. And with a little help from friends, family, and yes - even strangers - we have been able to pass over the bumps in the road, and get back to life. If we could all just visit The Virginia Beach Sibe Tribe's fundraising site and if each of us considered donating even a minimal amount (i.e. skipping that drive-thru coffee or frozen drink and donating that amount) times 10 people or 100 people, would be such a help! Maybe you know of a business who could help, or if you can't personally help, you surely can help by sharing the news to others who may be able to.In the words of President Obama,"The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t
wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good
things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself
with hope."
Together, if each of us joins in with one another, we can bring help "make some good things happen" for the Virginia Beach Sibe Tribe in their time of need.

"Thank Woo for helping us!"*

Let's all paw it forward and make a difference in the lives of Mary and the Virginia Beach Sibe Tribe as she has helped to make a difference in the lives of the Huskies she has rescued and given a home and so much love.

The
Sibe Tribe currently has three special needs dogs - one with cataracts,
one with spinal abnormalities and one with epilepsy. In the months
since moving into our current apartment, the dogs has been getting
sicker. Our Vet believes that the illness is due to the duck and goose
waste that is all over the grounds of our complex. We are also having
electrical and mold issues in the apartment that the management and
maintenance has failed to fix - our human has been electrocuted in the
apt and has mold allergies causing headaches and respiratory issues.
Most recently there has been a rash of breakins - yesterday the
intruder breached the door and all of the dogs escaped the apartment.
Thankfully, they were all found and returned to the apartment, but now
two are violently ill from whatever they encountered while running free.
The Sibe Tribe desperately needs funds to move to a house with a
fenced yard and help with more Vet visits to get us all back on the road
to good health.

- See more at:
http://www.youcaring.com/nonprofits/help-the-sibe-tribe-move-to-a-safer-and-healthier-home-/80228#sthash.e0cUxlGe.dpuf

The
Sibe Tribe currently has three special needs dogs - one with cataracts,
one with spinal abnormalities and one with epilepsy. In the months
since moving into our current apartment, the dogs has been getting
sicker. Our Vet believes that the illness is due to the duck and goose
waste that is all over the grounds of our complex. We are also having
electrical and mold issues in the apartment that the management and
maintenance has failed to fix - our human has been electrocuted in the
apt and has mold allergies causing headaches and respiratory issues.
Most recently there has been a rash of breakins - yesterday the
intruder breached the door and all of the dogs escaped the apartment.
Thankfully, they were all found and returned to the apartment, but now
two are violently ill from whatever they encountered while running free.
The Sibe Tribe desperately needs funds to move to a house with a
fenced yard and help with more Vet visits to get us all back on the road
to good health.

- See more at:
http://www.youcaring.com/nonprofits/help-the-sibe-tribe-move-to-a-safer-and-healthier-home-/80228#sthash.e0cUxlGe.dpuf

The
Sibe Tribe currently has three special needs dogs - one with cataracts,
one with spinal abnormalities and one with epilepsy. In the months
since moving into our current apartment, the dogs has been getting
sicker. Our Vet believes that the illness is due to the duck and goose
waste that is all over the grounds of our complex. We are also having
electrical and mold issues in the apartment that the management and
maintenance has failed to fix - our human has been electrocuted in the
apt and has mold allergies causing headaches and respiratory issues.
Most recently there has been a rash of breakins - yesterday the
intruder breached the door and all of the dogs escaped the apartment.
Thankfully, they were all found and returned to the apartment, but now
two are violently ill from whatever they encountered while running free.
The Sibe Tribe desperately needs funds to move to a house with a
fenced yard and help with more Vet visits to get us all back on the road
to good health.

- See more at:
http://www.youcaring.com/nonprofits/help-the-sibe-tribe-move-to-a-safer-and-healthier-home-/80228#sthash.e0cUxlGe.dpuf

Friday, August 16, 2013

Today is Flashback Friday here at the FiveSibes homestead and a good time to reflect upon puppies, new life, and happiness, to celebrate life.This is our darling Pupsters - littermates Chloe, Bandit, and Wolf - at just two months! They have been best friends, The Three Muskateers, since the start, and they still love to strike this pose and kiss each other! It's been a wonderful treat to watch these babies grow up together, interact, and play...they have a wonderful relationship, and it just warms my heart to know they have had each other since birth! Our silly, loving, loveable Pupsters!

* * * * * * * *

In celebration of life, today's blog is dedicated to our fellow Epi-furpal, The Mighty Quinn of the White Dog Army, who just lost his fight with Canine Epilepsy, but never lost his might. Run free, beautiful boy. You will be missed by those who loved you and you will always be remembered. We join your family in celebrating your beautiful life.

I Am Not There

Do not stand at my grave and weep,

I am not there; I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow,

I am the diamond glints on snow,

I am the sunlight on ripened grain,

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning’s hush

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry,

I am not there; I did not die.

~Mary Frye

* * * ** * * * *

*Join us with a Friday stroll down Memory Lane!*

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Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Our beautiful fellow Epi-furpal, The Mighty Quinn of the White Dog Army, is really in need of our support and prayers after a devastating bout of seizures he was recently hospitalized for. While he is back home, Quinn, a warrior in this war against Canine Epilepsy, is having a rough time rebounding. Our thoughts are with Quinn, his hu-parents, and the White Dog Army. Please join us here at the FiveSibes in a pawcircle of prayer, hope, and healing to send Quinn's way. If you can, please stop over to leave your comments and support for Quinn and family on the White Dog Army's blog. And join us in raising our paws, hands, and voices to sing him his anthem to bring him our love and strength, and "you'll not see nothing like The Mighty Quinn." Stay strong, our friend.

Sunday, August 11, 2013

It's our one-year Anniversary since we debuted "The Sibe Vibe" on Dog Works Radio! In August 2012, our very first guests were from the Siberian Husky Rescue of Florida, and the rest, as they say, is Husky history!

Tune in live to today's episode of our Dog Works Radio"The Sibe Vibe" online at 1 PM EST and see how you can WIN a three-bag selection of House Wolf K-9 Dog Biscuits, created by the fabulous bakers at Edelweiss Bakery in Vermont. In their treats you will find: No salt. No preservatives, No chemical. Ever!

We will be posting a permalink to the show if you miss it, and also if you'd like to learn more about House Wolf and their wholesome treats, check out our post on their newest treat, "Gibbie Snacks," named after our Gibson and formulated with the canine epileptic in mind!

And if you couldn't enter to win the treats live from the radio show, don't forget we still have our "Summer Fun Canine Photo Contest" running (deadline 12 midnight EST August 15) where you have another chance to win these delicious dog treats as several of the prizes, including the $150 Grand Prize package, is from House Wolf!

Friday, August 9, 2013

While flipping through puppy pictures for today's Flashback Friday, it was fun to come across some I have not seen in a long time (since they were film photos and not digital)...like this photo! I had to laugh, first at Harley's expression of knowing she was the boss over the new puppy, Gibson! Even though she loved every second of bossing him around, playing Husky tag, and rolling and romping in the grass and pool with him. The second thing I giggled at was how little he was! Gibson was a big puppy, here he was about six months old...and he didn't stay small for long! It was pretty soon after my wooly boy caught up to Harley in size, and then passed her...by almost double the size! And then...I noticed the crystal clear water (not!) Harley and Gibson had just played in the yard and dug holes and ran in and out of the pool, creating a muddy masterpiece! Even all our grass had not quite grown in yet after we installed a new "Husky-proof" fence, but just gave them more dirt to have fun in! This photographic memory represents to me the freedom of puppyhood, and the fun and zest for life Siberian Huskies have!

"Those were the days, my friend
We thought they'd never end
We'd sing and dance forever and a day
We'd live the life we choose
We'd fight and never lose
For we were young and sure to have our way!"

~Sung by Mary Hopkin

Happy Flashback Friday!

*Join us with a Friday stroll down Memory Lane!*

Grab our badge and join in! Share your blog, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram #FlashbackFriday photo and mention the FiveSibes™ with a link back to here and leave us comment so we can come visit your Flashback, too! To catch up on past Flashback Fridays, visit us here:

Friday, August 2, 2013

This is the sweet, beautiful, fluffy face that stole my heart immediately! This Flashback Friday photo of Gibson was taken when he was just four months old on the day after he came home with us. After a nice bath and tons of kisses, he was a very sleepy wooly Husky pup! He spent the entire first night sleeping on my lap on the living room recliner. He stretched out (he was already a big boy at just four months old - just check out the size of those paws!) across my lap and fell fast asleep...who could have the heart to move him? Not me! He was home, safe and loved from the very first moment I set eyes on him! Troy may have Helen...but, I have Gibson!

And Gibson...he has my heart...

❤

Forever.

*Join us with a Friday stroll down Memory Lane!*

Grab our badge and join in! Share your blog, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram #FlashbackFriday photo and mention the FiveSibes™ with a link back to here and leave us comment so we can come visit your Flashback, too! To catch up on past Flashback Fridays, visit us here:

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Wooo! Harley here. Mom's busy editing a book tonight, so I'm stepping in to blog for her! So, Mom bought us a new tub since Chloe, Gibson, and I have all injured our legs and she didn't want us to get hurt in the house tub because we really don't like it...it's all echo-y and we give the groomer a really hard time (well, not Gibson. He's an angel and loves to be bathed). So we have a new walk-in tub all of our own. Well, I liked it so much I decided to check it out, so I climbed in and made myself pretty comfy...even with a leg brace on!

I really think Chloe wanted to climb in, but I told her it was all mine. And since I'm the alpha queen and the pack momma, she didn't argue with me.

Wooo...life is good. I love this new bathtub bed. I love it so much, I think I'll take a nap!

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WELCOME!

Welcome to the FiveSibes blog! At our home, we are the proud parents to five beautiful, lovable, energetic full-blooded Siberian Huskies whom we fondly refer to as "the kids!" Out of the five, four are siblings, three of them littermates! We also have an "Honorary Husky Cat" who adopted us, and most recently, she brought home another furpal, a feral kitten who has now adopted us, too! These furbabies are truly are a part of our family and we love them so! Through this blog, you will get to meet each one of them and share in a laugh or a cry at their fun-loving, crazy, wacky, and sometimes worrisome antics.

I first began the idea of creating a FiveSibes blog quite awhile ago when one of our Sibes, my wooly boy, Gibson, developed seizures shortly after his third birthday. When I began writing my journal of his medical journey, I had started posting entries on other social media as a way of connecting to others who also experienced the same with their dogs. Through this medium, I was able to connect with some pretty terrific dog-loving folks, both owners of Sibes, as well as other breeds,who I am happy to now call my friends.

My intention for this blog is to write about "a day in the life of" the FiveSibes, bringing thoughts, ideas, photos, tips, and discoveries to the forefront of discussion about the wonderful breed, as well as all things canine with others who share the same passion and love for their furbabies as we do.

We also hope to help spread the word that there are so many abandoned and homeless Sibes out there who could use a loving home. Too many times folks bring home a Husky simply for their beauty, but do not do the research to understand the breed and its needs and then turn the dog into a shelter when they can't/won't care for it anymore. Please visit the Sibe rescues listed on this site if you are considering bringing a Siberian Husky into your home. There are so many beautiful furbabies just waiting for a loving, forever home. Maybe yours could be one!

Let's make this forum a nice, comfy, polite place for everyone to visit--bring along your darling dog (or dogs), pull up a chair, have a cup of coffee, and let's talk canine!

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